Gym Etiquette

Whether you are gym junkie or a newbie at the gym, there’s much more to a gym membership than paying your dues and showing up to train. Let’s talk about gym etiquette.

Be on time...
Schedules are hectic for everyone these days so if you have an appointment with a Trainer or a training partner, be respectful and be on time.

Wear appropriate attire....
Workout clothes are designed to allow for an optimal and safe workout. Leave the jeans for an evening out; shorts or track pants are a better option. Wear comfortable shoes; most gyms do not allow you to wear open toed sandals in the weight room or on the cardio deck.

Your scent...
Of course exercising is going to make you sweat (it better!) and will cause body odor, so arm yourself with an effective deodorant. At the same time avoid using excessive perfumes/colognes or scented body lotion as these DO NOT mix well with sweat and can be just as unpleasant for fellow members.

Clean up after yourself...
Your membership does not include a personal maid, so please clean up after yourself. Make sure to wipe down equipment that you just used, do not leave your sweat for someone else to clean up. Gyms provide disinfectant in spray bottles for this purpose. I also suggest using a towel to separate you from the equipment. Do not leave empty water bottles or any type of empty containers/wrappers lying around. Throw them away. 

Re-rack your weights...
There is nothing more inconsiderate than leaving your weights loaded on a bar or any machine after you’ve finished your workout. Always return your weights to the proper racks. Think of fellow members that may not be able to remove heavy plates and will forego that exercise because you were being lazy!

Exercise self control...
Of course it is natural to emit little noises when lifting weights but remember others are training as well and don’t want to hear loud grunting while trying to concentrate on their own workouts! Foul language is never acceptable. That also goes for dropping weights. There is no reason to drop weights from a high elevation.

Share...
During peak hours at the gym, be prepared to “work in” with other members. It may be necessary to share equipment when possible. However, avoid interrupting a member who is in the middle of their set to ask if you can work in or how many sets they have left, etc. Wait until they finish their set.

Keep the chatting to a minimum...
When training you should be focused on your workout and not chatting with everyone at the gym. If you want to recap your day with friends, than do it in a tone that will not disturb others that are training. Cell phones should be left in the locker room or used only for emergencies.  Fellow members do not want to hear your cell phone conversations.